Santos Port Authority hires firm to remove rocks from navigation channel

The Santos Port Authority (APS) has contracted DTA Engenharia to carry out rock removal in the Santos Port navigation channel, a project that will allow the channel’s depth to be increased to 16 meters. The company will also develop the project’s basic and executive designs.

The contract, valued at approximately BRL 17 million, was signed on Monday (August 11), and the contract summary was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday (August 13). The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months.

APS President Anderson Pomini said the rock removal will pave the way for a second phase, which could see the channel reach a depth of 17 meters. “This project marks another step forward for Santos Port. Following this, we will be able to increase the depth to 17 meters, providing the long-term assurance needed to accommodate the world’s largest ships at any time, day or night,” he said.

See below a history of container throughput at the Port of Santos starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Container Throughput at the Port of Santos | Jan 2022 to Jun 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

According to a study submitted to APS, there are 31 locations within the port’s waterway infrastructure—including navigation channels, access areas, and berths—where rocks currently prevent further deepening. The total volume of rocks to be removed is estimated at 10,000 cubic meters.

The project has already secured environmental licensing.

Source: Porto de Santos

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